Science Park approval given to Derry Fort George site

The Environment Minister has given his approval for a Science Park at Fort George in Londonderry.

Alex Attwood said papers were issued on Tuesday, to Derry City Council , recommending approval be given for a four storey building dedicated to IT and science based businesses.

The North West Regional Science Park will be based on the former military site at Fort George.

The park is part of a cross border project.

It will be in conjunction with the Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

Alex Attwood said it will be modelled on the Northern Ireland Science Park in the Titanic Quarter in Belfast.

"What we're trying to do, planning permission granted, is to replicate that successful model as part of the Fort George site.

"We can then see the further development of the site in the future.

"It was only lodged 14 weeks ago and I'm giving it the green light," he said.

North West regeneration

SDLP Department for Environment Private Secretary Colum Eastwood said it was a great boost for the North West.

"This development will not only revitalise and regenerate the former military site at Fort George but will provide high value employment in the North West and help attract investment in the digital economy.

"This represents a real step forward in the regeneration of the City of Derry and a welcome first phase in the development of Fort George.

Colum Eastwood said it will underpin the developments at the University of Ulster at Magee. It will focus on digital technologies and Science Technology Engineering and Maths subjects.